*IF YOU DON’T READ THIS GUIDE THOROUGHLY, PLEASE DO NOT CALL IN FOR WORK. THIS IS A JOB AND WE EXPECT YOU TO BE PUNCTUAL, PROFESSIONAL AND RESPONSIBLE.

PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING!! THIS IS A GUIDELINE TO HELP YOU ANSWER ANY QUESTIONS YOU MAY HAVE.

GENERAL INFORMATION

A THOMAS BROS. MAP GUIDE is a mandatory tool. When you are given a location, you will be given the “coordinates” out of this map guide. You can buy one at any bookstore. Please make sure you keep the Thomas bros guide in you car so that you have access to it in case you get lost.

If there is a change in your phone number or residence, we need to be informed. Address changes must be in writing.

If there is a drastic change in your appearance we need to know as soon as possible. If a photo retake is necessary you may come in for the retake during our regular registration hours (Mondays, Wednesdays, & Fridays, 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.). There is no charge for a photo retake.

We now offer our background talent the opportunity to have additional photos or headshots in their file. You may submit your own photos, (car, pet, hands, headshot, etc.) or you may choose to come with a different look and have us take the picture. There is no limit as to how many pictures you can add to your file.

Your registration is valid for two years. You must renew your registration every two years to remain active with Central Casting. If you come in to re-register within the two years, there is no charge.

CALLING IN FOR WORK

Be prepared with pen & paper when you call in for work, and have the first five digits of your social security number on hand. There are many people calling at the same time and the casting directors cannot wait until you are prepared to take down information. Although there may be work throughout the day, the best times to call in for work is in the mornings 7:00 – 11:00 a.m., when we need extras for rush calls, and in the afternoons after 2:00 p.m. when most of our calls are coming in from the production companies.

First, call the recorded line:MEN: (818) 260-6120WOMEN: (818) 260-6130
(Call this number ONLY after you have been booked on a show) This will tell you what we are currently looking for and will give you a phone number to call should you feel you are a fit for the look. The line may be busy, but you must be persistent! Sometimes a casting director’s phone line will issue a constant busy signal, be aware that there is nothing wrong with the phones, the casting director is trying to handle the calls as they come in and you may be calling along with hundreds of people for the same job, so please be patient. If you don’t get through within 10 minutes, recheck the recorded line again. Check the recorded line often throughout the day for new information.

When the casting director answers the line, give your NAME and the FIRST 5-DIGITS OF YOUR SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER.

HAVE PEN AND PAPER READY WHEN YOU CALL. We keep repeating this because, It is very important that you are prepared to write any specific information.

When you are booked on a job, you will be given the name of the show, the call time (time you have to report to a set), your category, and the box number to get your information. WRITE IT DOWN!

The number to call to get all your details is 818-562-2966, you will be prompted by a recording to enter a four digit number. (This number should have been given to you by the casting director who booked you). Then press the # sign. This information tape should provide.

Thename of the show, and the name of the casting director giving it to you.

Location, directions, and Thomas Bros. Map Guide coordinates.

Anyspecial instructions regarding hair, makeup, parking, etc.

Wardrobe: Always expect the unexpected. Even if not told to do so, bring an extra change of clothing to the set appropriate for the call.

THE EMERGENCY NUMBER IS (818) 562-2799. (24 hours a day/7 days a week)

*If you mustcancel – give us enough notice (12 hours or more!) to send a replacement on time.
*If you are lost on your way to the set.
*If you are going to be late*If you have any questions regarding your call.

YOU WILL BE TERMINATED IF YOU FAIL TO CALL IN AND DO NOT SHOW FOR YOUR ASSIGNED WORK TIME!

WHEN YOU HAVE BEEN GIVEN A JOB PLEASE DO THE FOLLOWING:

Leave the house with enough time to get to the location early – allowing for traffic, parking, walking to set, and any complications that may arise.

When you get to the set, check-in with the assistant director (A.D.) or the coordinator and get your voucher. Your voucher is essentially your paycheck, so get it and hold on to it until the end of the day. MAKE SURE YOUR SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER IS ON THE VOUCHER – IF IT ISN’T – WRITE IT IN!! IF IT ISN’T ON THE VOUCHER WE CANNOT PAY YOU!! The pink copy of the voucher is yours to keep once you have finished for the day.

Always show up “CAMERA READY” – This means that you are dressed, made-up and ready to go to work.

Anticipate being on the set for approximately 12 hours. You may not be there that long, or could be there longer. Be prepared to stay until you are released.

Please listen carefully to instructions being given to you on the set.

Bring a pen to the set and always return props and wardrobe before you leave. If you do not return these items – you will be terminated.

DO NOT:

Do not ask the A.D. or Coordinator on the set for a union voucher. When you accept a non-union job from a Casting Director, you agree to receive a non-unionvoucher.

Do not leave the set without telling the A.D. or Coordinator.

Do not look in the camera unless specifically told to do so.

Do not talk when you are being given information.

Do not walk onto a set when you see a flashing red light – they are “rolling.”

Do not talk during the filming of a scene – a rule of thumb is to “pantomime” (talk or gesture without making a sound).

Do not ask actors for autographs or photos – these people are under a great deal of pressure to perform, memorize scenes, etc. The outcome of distracting the actors can be detrimental and embarrassing.

The use of any voice recording devices, cameras, video tape players, etc. is strictly prohibited. If you bring any of these devices to the set it will result in immediate suspension or termination from Central Casting.

NEVER bring friends, family or pets to the set!! You are in a business environment and should conduct yourself accordingly.

Do not assume anything – absolutely no walkmans or video games, etc. on the set.

Drugs or alcohol on our sets is strictly prohibited! You will be dismissed immediately, your voucher destroyed and you will be terminated from Central Casting.

Be sure to turn off your pagers and cell phones when on the set.

Do not book yourself on 2 different calls for the same day! This will result in disciplinary action as you have created a very difficult situation for the casting directors.

Do not book yourself on an all-night shoot, then a morning shoot the next day. Your call times may conflict creating a very difficult situation.

PLEASE USE COMMON SAFETY SENSE

Do not wander around. Stay in the designated areas for Talent.

Do not get in the way of the Production Crew; please stay out of the way when equipment is being moved or transported.

Do not touch or handle production equipment.

Under no circumstances should you move or help move production equipment. This is the sole responsibility of the Production Crew.

Do not become involved in horseplay or other games while on the set.

Do not run on the set or sound stage; beware of dark or dimly lit areas with cable and electrical wires either suspended or on the ground.

If you become sick or injured, you must report it to the Assistant Director, Set Medic, or Set Nurse that day before leaving the set.

YOUR PAYCHECK:

The PAYROLL DEPARTMENT phone number is (818) 729-6450. Their hours for taking payroll calls are Monday through Friday from 3 to 5 p.m. ONLY.

WHEN FILLING OUT YOUR VOUCHER:Make sure your NAME, SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER, and all pertinent information is completely filled out, correct, & legible before turning in your voucher. All paychecks are mailed to the address appearing on your voucher, therefore it is imperative that your voucher is completely & correctly filled out. If you do not fill in your social security number we cannot legally issue a check to you. You must sign your voucher or we cannot pay you.

WE ARE LOOKING FORWARD TO A LONG LASTING RELATIONSHIP WITH YOU. THIS IS A GIVE-AND-TAKE RELATIONSHIP. WE NEED YOU AS MUCH AS YOU NEED US. WE WILL DO OUR BEST FOR YOU AND EXPECT THE SAME IN RETURN.